According to Shelley Sylva, successful leaders must have the ability to innovate. “Innovation is essential not only in executing job responsibilities but also in how leaders conceptualize and approach their roles,” said Sylva. “Society is rapidly evolving and the way we work is evolving just as quickly; to be successful as a leader, you have to be in tune with what’s happening around you and even a few steps ahead.”
Sylva has relied on innovation during her career that included a decade in the affordable housing sector and now as the head of business development for the PA/NJ Metro Market of TD Bank.
As a top 10 North American bank, TD Bank aims to stand out from its peers by having a differentiated brand anchored in a proven business model, and rooted in a desire to give its customers, communities and colleagues the confidence to thrive in a changing world.
Under Sylva’s leadership, TD Bank’s corporate citizenship team gained significant accomplishments. In 2023, the company was named the No. 2 top company for philanthropy by Diversity Inc., was awarded $24.5 million in grants, and Sylva led the new Take Philadelphia initiative, successfully advocating for the placement of an innovative $2.5 million affordable housing preservation program.
“My work at TD stems from a fundamental belief that businesses should not only thrive financially but also contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve,” said Sylva.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Sylva said she has seen the power of bringing together business, philanthropy and people. She knew TD Bank needed a strategic approach to unite these three elements. “When I started, it was evident that while TD had a strong history of remarkable philanthropic initiatives, talented colleagues, and excellent products and services, there was a gap in fully leveraging these assets to make a tangible difference for those we serve,” she said.
To bridge this divide, Sylva and her team pioneered the creation of the Social Impact Investment Council, an initiative that brings together business leaders and philanthropic experts to synergize efforts and identify strategic opportunities for investment in the community. One notable outcome of this collaboration was the TD Charitable Foundation’s investment in the Innovate Capital Growth Fund.
Sylva said she leads her team through innovation with radical care. “I lead my team with a profound sense of empathy, creating an environment where individuals feel safe to express their needs and concerns without fear or judgment or reprisal,” she said. “I believe in giving people what they ask for rather than imposing my own ideas on them.”
